sousse-en

Cities are becoming increasingly important as innovation hubs. They hold the potential to drive economic growth, decrease poverty and improve quality of life.

Nevertheless, cities are also facing major challenges, particularly in developing countries. They require well-developed infrastructures and public services, as well as efficient networks interconnecting the city. With this goal in mind, SECO provides support to cities as they analyse their challenges and develop sustainable strategies to overcome them.

Sousse is one such city confronted with numerous challenges. SECO is therefore committed to fostering sustainable urban development there.

The economy in Sousse depends heavily on tourism, yet part of the tourism zone is falling into disrepair and there is no direct connection between the city centre and the sea.

The city uses energy inefficiently, and only a small proportion of it comes from renewable sources. There are very few green areas in the city and those that exist are not cared for properly.

Sousse’s exposed location also makes it vulnerable to flooding. Bouts of sudden heavy precipitation cause major damage. Waste water and solid waste are poorly managed and pollute the city.

Weaknesses in planning, financing and implementation make it difficult to define and implement cross-sectoral projects. Synergies are not exploited, and the city government is insufficiently agile and has difficulties developing sources of income.

These problems detract from residents’ quality of life and also make the city less attractive to business.

SECO provides funding and expert advice to authorities and interest groups throughout the urban development process, from the planning and development of sustainable policies, to the funding of investments and project implementation. It will be offering this support to Sousse as well.

Several Swiss partners are working together on the project in Sousse, including urbaplan, TRANSITEC, Planair and INSER. Urbaplan works on the urban development projects, Plainair is responsible for renewable energy-related activities, TRANSITEC does public transport planning and INSER oversees the development of the geographic information system (GIS).

More information:
urbaplan
TRANSITEC
Planair
INSER
 

Initially experts analyse the existing challenges and draw up a report on the current situation. This provides the basis for developing strategies, sketching and prioritising projects and making financing decisions. Local politicians, urban development experts, higher education institutions and residents participate in this process.

Studies are carried out to help set strategic priorities which are presented in urban development plans.

This plan shows the green spaces that are to be developed in Sousse.

The second plan shows the future river network. Better connections from the sea to the river network are to be created at the coast in order to minimise the risk of floods. Access to the coast will also be improved.

This plan shows how public space is to be redesigned. This includes the transport network, along with expanded pedestrian and cycle paths. The aim is to improve quality of life and to simplify and promote walking and cycling.

With SECO’s support, Sousse will implement a transport plan that takes account of other means of transportation instead of exclusively promoting motorised private transport. This will reduce traffic jams and pollution and make the city more attractive.

SECO is supporting Sousse as the city implements major infrastructure projects during the second phase of the programme, which runs from 2022 to 2026.